golden eagle luxury trains VOYAGES OF A LIFETIME BY PRIVATE TRAIN TM
golden eagle trans-siberian express golden eagle trans-siberian express
moscow - kazan - yekaterinburg - novosibirsk - irkutsk - lake baikal ulan ude - ulaan baatar - khabarovsk (westbound only) - vladivostok
Undoubtedly the world’s greatest railway journey, the Trans-Siberian Railway runs like a steel ribbon across mysterious Russia connecting East and West from Moscow over the Urals, across the magnificent and endless Steppe and alongside the shore of the world’s largest freshwater lake. Opened in stages between 1891 and 1916, this extraordinary engineering achievement is a vital link for all the communities that live in close proximity to the line – and to travel along this route is by far the best way to experience the vastness and grandeur of Russia’s rarely visited interior.
The official length of the Trans-Siberian line between Moscow and Vladivostok is 9,288 kilometres, making it the longest single-service railway in the world. As part of our itinerary we will also travel along the branch line at Lake Baikal and away from the main Trans-Siberian line when we head into Mongolia and its capital Ulaan Baatar.
Our classic Trans-Siberian Express tours onboard the Golden Eagle between Moscow and Vladivostok take a leisurely two weeks. By the time your journey ends we will have passed through eight time zones, a third of the world’s total, and travelled an incredible distance of 6,500 miles (11,000 kilometres) through Russia and Mongolia.
As Eric Newby in his 1977 book The Big Red Train Ride succinctly stated, ‘The Trans-Siberian is the big train ride. All the rest are peanuts.’
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moscow
Kazan RUSSIA Yekaterinburg
Novosibirsk
Khabarovsk CASPIAN SEA KAZAKHSTAN Lake Baikal Irkutsk Ulan Ude
MONGOLIA Ulaan Baatar vladivostok IRAN CHINA JAPAN
finest rail off-train excursions golden eagle tour schedules daily tour itineraries accommodation programme difference EASTBOUND 2015 WESTBOUND 2015 EASTBOUND WESTBOUND Private en-suite accommodation Full guided off-train excursions programme Experienced Tour Manager May 5 – 19 May 18 – June 1 Day 1 Arrive Moscow Day 1 Arrive Vladivostok 24-hour cabin attendant service Fully included Freedom of Choice touring Onboard Doctor - English speaking June 5 – June 19 June 18– July 2 Day 2 Moscow Day 2 Vladivostok Evening turndown service options which may vary due to final Luggage porterage - from the time you are July 1 – July 13 (Trans-Mongolian - see p49) July 10 – July 22 (Trans-Mongolian - see p49) Day 3 Kazan Day 3 Khabarovsk Complimentary tea, coffee and bottled train times met at the airport until your departure July 26 – August 9 August 8 – 22 Day 4 Yekaterinburg Day 4 Onboard water in-cabin 24 hrs a day Personal Headsets to hear the No tipping policy August 22 – September 5 September 4 – 18 Day 5 Onboard Day 5 Novosibirsk Robes, slippers and L’Occitane professional guide’s commentary Arrival and departure transfers Day 6 Onboard Day 6 Ulaan Baatar toiletries in-cabin Bottled water during excursions Commemorative DVD with photos of your EASTBOUND 2016 WESTBOUND 2016 Day 7 Irkutsk Day 7 Ulan Ude Complimentary bottle of vodka in Authentic dining experiences in local tour and tour information Day 8 Lake Baikal May 5 – 19 May 18 – June 1 Day 8 Lake Baikal your Golden Eagle cabin restaurants with a generous drinks High quality Golden Eagle Day 9 Irkutsk June 05 – June 19 June 18– July 2 Day 9 Ulan Ude allowance, including international wines embroidered backpack Day 10 Ulaan Baatar Day 10 Onboard Detailed Golden Eagle route map July 1 – July 13 (Trans-Mongolian - see p49) July 10 – July 22 (Trans-Mongolian - see p49) Day 11 Novosibirsk Illustrated Golden Eagle tour brochure July 26 – August 9 August 8 – 22 Day 11 Onboard Day 12 Yekaterinburg August 22 – September 5 September 4 – 18 Day 12 Onboard Day 13 Onboard Day 13 Kazan onboard inclusions For Winter Trans-Siberian dates please see p32 Day 14 Vladivostok Day 14 Moscow Day 15 Depart Vladivostok Day 15 Depart Moscow accommodation Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily - starting with dinner on first In-suite dining option for Imperial Suite guests day and finishing with breakfast on last day Inclusive drinks packages for Gold Class and Imperial Suite guests 1 night in Moscow | 12 nights onboard the Golden Eagle | Generous drinks allowance, including international wine, with Tea, coffee, bottled water, soft drinks and local beer in the lunch and dinner 1 night in Vladivostok Bar Lounge Car Gala Caviar Dinner onboard the Golden Eagle Stimulating onboard talks In-cabin breakfast option to start the day Resident pianist in Bar Lounge Car Afternoon tea and cakes onboard the Golden Eagle Onboard Russian language lessons moscow - kazan - yekaterinburg - novosibirsk - irkutsk - lake baikal Live musical performances ulan ude - ulaan baatar - khabarovsk (westbound only) - vladivostok
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tour highlights yekaterinburg 1816 KM | Екатеринбург Time zone: Moscow time + 2 hours
Founded in 1723 by Peter the Great, Yekaterinburg is the capital of the Urals. Known as the Great Divide, the Ural Mountains create the natural border between Europe and Asia so that the cultural and architectural influences of European and Asian civilisations come together in this fascinating and cosmopolitan landscape. Our city tour takes us to the poignant site where the Romanov, Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, was executed with his family by the Bolsheviks in 1918 following 78 days of imprisonment. Now a church dedicated to their memory, this site provides us with a powerful insight into the turmoil Classic wooden architecture, Irkutsk of the Russian Revolution. We will also drive to the obelisk marking the geographical border and we can drink a glass of champagne with one irkutsk Old Believers Village, Ulan Ude GUM department store, Moscow Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, Mongolia foot in Europe and the other in Asia. 5185 KM | Иркутск Time zone: Moscow time + 5 hours
moscow you are travelling on the Westbound tours). Specially selected international Our Freedom of Choice programme will also offer activities such as a 0 KM | Москва wines are included with dinner, as with all meals during the tour. walking tour of the city, or explore the intriguing Soviet military past in Our visit to Irkutsk, the ‘Paris of Siberia’, takes in the most significant Time zone: Moscow time a visit to Yekaterinburg Military Museum which displays fragments of sites and museums in this fascinating city, including an exploration Included in our time spent in Moscow is one night at the five-star the U2 American spy-plane flown by Gary Powers that was shot down of the classic wooden architecture with its intricately carved lace- Our touring programme of Moscow principally takes us to the grandeur Marriott Royal Aurora. Located in Moscow city centre, and within in this area in 1960 during the Cold War. like decorations that has given many of this region’s buildings such of the Kremlin – the spiritual, historical and political heart of Moscow – walking distance of Red Square and the Bolshoi Theatre, this luxury a distinctive and unique appearance. We also visit the Volkonsky and to see the treasures of the Tsars in the Armoury Chamber. We will hotel offers spacious accommodation with butler service – the only novosibirsk House Museum, which is dedicated to the memory of the aristocrats enjoy an exclusive private viewing before it opens to the public before hotel in Moscow to offer this fine service. 3336 KM | Новосибирск who were exiled to this remote outpost after the failed Decembrists visiting Red Square. This iconic symbol of Russia’s former military and Time zone: Moscow time + 3 hours uprising of 1825. political might with its eclectic mix of fascinating architecture, such as Why not extend your stay in Moscow with additional nights to explore the ornate St Basil’s Cathedral’s magnificent onion-domed spires, the more of the city at your leisure or have time to take in a performance A modern ‘Soviet’ city, we experience the life and character of You could learn to cook some traditional Russian dishes with a local beautiful façade of the world famous GUM department store which was at the world-renowned Bolshoi Theatre? Tickets need to be pre-booked Novosibirsk’s rich culture where the arts and science predominate. chef and prepare your own lunch with our Freedom of Choice option. constructed in Tsarist times, is also the sombre and evocative site of and are subject to schedule and availability. The city is located in the heart of Russia and is situated on both banks Or you might also wish to visit a traditional Russian Dacha (summer Lenin’s tomb. of the River Ob. Our city tour takes us to Lenin Square where the house) to get an insight into the everyday life of an average Russian kazan imposing Opera House is located. An architectural marvel, it houses family. We will have lunch in Café Pushkin, a legendary Moscow restaurant with 820 KM | Казань two permanent ballet and opera companies and is one of the largest a décor that revives the atmosphere of an early 19th century mansion Time zone: Moscow time opera houses in the world. In front of the Opera House, we visit an and serves traditional Russian cuisine, and end the day with a tour of impressive statue of Lenin – a marvellous opportunity to have your the opulent and unique stations of the Moscow metro - showpieces of Situated on the River Volga, the picturesque and historic city of Kazan photograph taken with this iconic political leader. Socialist art furnished with statues, frescoes and mosaics, unsurpassed is the capital of Tatarstan. Here we have the opportunity to see for anywhere in the world. ourselves its rich tapestry of history and culture. One of the highlights of Alternatively, south of the city you could visit Novosibirsk’s excellent this city tour is our exploration of the Kremlin Fortress, a UNESCO World Railway Museum on our Freedom of Choice tour. The museum With our included Freedom of Choice touring options you may instead Heritage Site. Within the walls of this ancient citadel we will explore its displays locomotives and rolling stock from the late 1800s, including wish to visit the famous State Tretyakov Gallery (National Museum of stunning mosque and picture-perfect onion-domed cathedral. carriages of the Tsars, through to the Soviet era. Or choose to go to the Fine Art) or travel out of the city centre to Sergiev Posad (available on Mineralogical Centre with its fine display of Siberian minerals. Eastbound tours only), home to one of the most beautiful monasteries You will also have time to wander through the main pedestrian area of in Russia and the historical and spiritual centre of the Russian Kazan and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the city. There is also the Freedom of Choice option to visit a local family living in Orthodox Church. a Soviet-era apartment building, who will serve you tea and traditional Russian snacks and will be happy to answer your questions about life Novosibirsk Railway Museum During your first evening in Moscow you will be invited to a champagne in modern-day Russia. drinks reception before our exclusive welcome dinner (or farewell dinner if
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lake baikal Озеро Байкал Time zone: Moscow time + 5 hours
Few natural sights can surpass the beauty and grandeur of train and travel by boat on the lake to Listvyanka, a small Lake Baikal and is a major highlight on our Trans-Siberian Baikal settlement nestling at the base of the surrounding journey. Lake Baikal is the deepest lake in the world and hills and visit the Lake Baikal Museum and Aquarium where holds 20 per cent of the world’s freshwater. Also known you can learn about the flora and fauna of the lake. as the ‘Pearl of Siberia’ it is home to a unique breed of freshwater seal and over 50 species of fish including We will enjoy a delicious barbecue prepared by our own signature experiences omul. For five hours we wind our way through tunnels chefs, including freshly smoked omul fish, in the delightful along cliff hugging tracks above the lake with a vista of covered dining area on the shore of Lake Baikal to complete Riding the Trans-Siberian – the longest railway snow capped peaks along the far shore forming a picture- a memorable day. in the world perfect backdrop, with a full appreciation of the engineering Private viewing of the Kremlin Armoury achievement which produced this part of the railway in the As part of our Freedom of Choice excursion programme Champagne reception and military brass band early 20th century. you can choose a hiking opportunity up Chersky Mount, playing at the station on departure or you can choose to take the chair lift, which offers some Being hauled by a Soviet era steam locomotive on To add to the grandeur of the day our Golden Eagle train will spectacular and panoramic hillside views of the grandeur of the beautiful Lake Baikal section be hauled by a Soviet era steam locomotive on this beautiful the lake below. Local family visit in Irkutsk section of line. There will be plenty of opportunities to take Barbecue on the shore of Lake Baikal and swim in photographs as the train winds its way along the lake. This its ice-cold water will be an unforgettable part of your journey. For a preview of Visit a nomadic family in a Mongolian ger this beautiful section, our new video is available to view on Private folk performance in an Old Believers Village our website: www.goldeneagleluxurytrains.com
Weather permitting, we stop in an extremely picturesque location by the lake for photographic opportunities and for the brave hearted there is time for a refreshing swim in the crystal clear and ice-cold waters of Baikal. Travelling onwards to the end of the Baikal branch line, we leave the
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khabarovsk 8523 KM | Хабаровск Time zone: Moscow time +7 hours WESTBOUND ONLY
Located 15 miles (25 kilometres) from the border with China, Khabarovsk stretches along the banks of the Amur River. Khabarovsk was founded as a military post in 1858, but the region had been populated by several indigenous peoples of the Far East for many centuries. It is now a busy city with tree-lined streets. We will visit the memorial to Yerofey Pavlovich Khabarov, the Far East explorer the city is named after, and the impressive World War Two memorial to the fallen soldiers. We will also have time at the Regional Museum Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, Mongolia where the local history has been well-preserved with a rich collection ulan ude of artefacts describing the cultural and natural history of the region. 5640 KM | Улан-Удэ Time zone: Moscow time +5 hours vladivostok The ethnic and cultural diversity of Ulan Ude, the capital of the Buryat 9288 KM | Владивосток Republic, offers a unique insight into its heritage. As we tour the area you Time zone: Moscow time +7 hours will notice the different faces of these welcoming Buryat people. During our exploration of the Old Believers Village we have the opportunity to Vladivostok is a military port, located on the western shores of the learn about the culture and history of these religious people as we are Sea of Japan and is home to the Russian Navy’s Pacific Fleet. Due treated to a concert featuring local traditions and folk singing. to its military importance, the city was closed to foreigners between 1930 and 1992. Vladivostok (literally translated as ‘Ruler of the East’) ulaan baatar, mongolia offers visitors an interesting opportunity to explore its principal military Улан Батор attractions including a visit to a preserved World War Two submarine. Time zone: Moscow time +4 hours Our city tour will also take us to the iconic suspension bridge over Golden Horn Bay, one of the largest of its kind worldwide, which Our Trans-Siberian adventure takes us into Mongolia and a visit to its opened in 2012 for the APEC conference. capital, Ulaan Baatar. Mongolia, once the very centre of an enormous empire led by Genghis Khan, is a country of beautiful landscapes, This evening you are invited to our farewell dinner (or welcome dinner nomadic people and rich in culture and history. Mongolia is famous for if you are travelling on the Westbound tours). Specially selected its endless green Steppes, grazing livestock and white, nomadic Gers international wines are included with dinner, as with all meals during (Yurts) dotted all across the countryside. the tour. Our hotel in Vladivostok, where we stay for one night, is the four-star Hotel Hyundai. We start the tour at Gandan Monastery, one of Mongolia’s most important Buddhist Monasteries housing a community of over 500 monks. The full name, Gandantegchinlen, translates as ‘the great days onboard the place of complete joy’. At Sukhbaatar Square we can see the central golden eagle monument to Genghis Khan, undoubtedly the most feared and revered Mongol. We then drive out of the city to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park and Each Trans-Siberian departure has a number of days onboard enjoy the beautiful scenery of wild Mongolia, having the opportunity the Golden Eagle. These days offer the opportunity to unwind to visit a traditional Ger and meet a nomadic family or try our hand at and reflect on the many sights and sounds we have experienced horse-riding, an intrinsic part of Mongolian life. or are about to experience on our rail journey so far.
Alternatively there is an option to stay in the city as part of our Freedom Chat to your fellow passengers, take a Russian language of Choice touring. After Gandan Monastery and Sukhbaatar Square we class, listen to a talk on Soviet or Russian history or local visit the National Museum where we learn about the country’s intriguing culture, learn about the construction of the Trans-Siberian history. We will also see Bogd Khan Winter Palace Museum, the winter railway or simply relax and enjoy the ever-changing landscape residences of Bogd Khan, the last Mongolian emperor, built between outside your window as it unfolds. 1893 and 1903. We can also explore the city and have some free time for shopping for Mongolian souvenirs, and their speciality cashmere. Gandan Monastery, Ulaan Baatar
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As far as possible our tours are all-inclusive with no hidden extras. What follows are all those elements which are included in the tour price. The only extra items you may need to budget for include personal expenses such as International and Internal flights that are not included in the itineraries, visa costs, insurance, selected drinks from the Bar Lounge Car and laundry.
EXPERIENCED TOUR MANAGERS GUIDED OFF-TRAIN EXCURSIONS Our experienced Tour Managers are selected for their travel The history and culture of the places we visit on our rail cruises will knowledge, and their linguistic and organisational abilities allowing come alive through our expert local guides. All our tours include a you to relax and enjoy your rail cruise. We receive exceptional wide-ranging sightseeing schedule to make the most of the time you passenger comments about our Tour Managers and their aim is to have off the train and bring you closer to the culture, people and ensure you enjoy every minute of your holiday. history of your destinations. We believe it is the special little touches that help create magical memories. ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE AIRPORT TRANSFERS Arrival and departure transfers are included. PERSONAL HEADSETS On all the off–train excursions, to enhance your enjoyment HOTEL AND ONBOARD ACCOMMODATION and insights into the places you visit, you will be provided with a Although you will spend much of your time sightseeing or relaxing in lightweight personal headset on which to listen to your tour guide the train’s public areas, you will find your cabin a welcome retreat at as you take in the sights. The range of the headset means that you the end of a rewarding day. All hotels are of five-star standard, or the do not need to worry about missing any of the guide’s commentary best available. on your excursion, even if you prefer to wander away from the group.
BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER DAILY ONBOARD DOCTOR AND MEDICAL FACILITIES All meals are included, starting with dinner on the first day and To give you peace of mind our tours are accompanied by a doctor ending with breakfast on the last day. All departures feature one who travels with us for the entire journey; so you can rest assured or two uniquely designed Restaurant Cars where you can enjoy the that medical assistance is always available. On call 24 hours a day, excellent waiter-served food and wine. Several times during the tour the doctor is on hand to give primary care as required. In almost we will also sample authentic local cuisine with wine and a selection every case, the doctor will be English-speaking and registered with of drinks off the train, which is also included in the tour price. the General Medical Council in the UK.
DRINKS WITH MEALS PORTERAGE A generous drinks allowance, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, is As you only have to unpack once your luggage and belongings will included with lunch and dinner on and off the train. stay with you on the train throughout the journey but, wherever necessary, porterage is included between the hotels and stations. ONBOARD SERVICE You can expect service which is attentive, friendly and unintrusive. Your ALL GRATUITIES car attendants provide 24-hour housekeeping and bedding turndown You will not have to worry about tipping on or off the train on your rail services, with one attendant always on duty to assist you and to ensure journey with Golden Eagle Luxury Trains as all gratuities are included you are comfortable in your cabin. Complimentary tea, coffee and in the tour price. bottled drinking water are available in your cabin 24 hours a day.
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